Grown in Clendenen’s certified organic, home vineyard planted in 1998, the 2009 Chardonnay is another shining example of the quality Le Bon Climat Vineyard produces.

The 2009 vintage was sunny and cool; the grapes ripened slowly and were “mature” at a lower sugar/acid ratio. This grape chemistry yielded a wine with mature aromatics and a bright and lively mouth feel. The grapes are gently pressed, the juice is totally barrel fermented and matured in 100% new François Freres Bertranges oak barrels. After 2 years of surlee aging the wine is fined and bottled unfiltered.

This is the ninth vintage of this wine, all have been impeccably balanced, complex, and age worthy.

Apricots, honey, butter, hazelnuts, smoke and spices blossom in the 2009 Chardonnay Le Bon Climat. Rich and intense on the palate, with gorgeous depth, the 2009 is all about texture. Two years in new heavy toast barrels adds subtle oxidative notes and a sense of warmth that is inviting. -- Antonio Galloni